CVE-2018-3744 in html-pages
Summary
by MITRE
The html-pages node module contains a path traversal vulnerabilities that allows an attacker to read any file from the server with cURL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2020
The html-pages node module vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw that fundamentally compromises server security through improper input validation. This vulnerability exists within the module's handling of file paths during web page generation processes, where user-supplied or improperly sanitized input can manipulate the module's file access mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to exploit the module's directory traversal capabilities by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal file system access controls, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive server files including configuration data, source code, and potentially system credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of file path parameters within the html-pages module. When the module processes requests for generating HTML pages, it fails to properly validate or filter user-provided path components, allowing attackers to inject sequences such as ../ or ..\ that traverse directory structures. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerabilities, specifically the variant where unvalidated input is used in file system operations without proper access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple cURL commands, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise while requiring no specialized tools beyond standard command-line utilities.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risk exposure for systems utilizing the html-pages module, as it enables attackers to systematically enumerate and extract sensitive information from server file systems. The impact extends beyond simple file reading to potential system compromise, as attackers can access configuration files that may contain database credentials, API keys, or other sensitive data. Additionally, the vulnerability can be leveraged for further attacks including code execution if the module processes user input in ways that allow arbitrary command execution, or to gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. The accessibility of this vulnerability through standard cURL commands means that even automated scanning tools can quickly identify and exploit affected systems, making it a high-priority target for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves updating to patched versions of the html-pages module where the path traversal vulnerability has been resolved through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation that filters or rejects any path traversal sequences before they can be processed by the module. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of systems running vulnerable modules, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security auditing of third-party dependencies and implementing automated vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other components. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving path traversal and credential access, emphasizing the need for defensive measures that protect against both initial compromise and lateral movement within affected environments.